Five Ways Old Eds – Playing U17s in the adult game – Club Policy
This document sets out the process for the selection of U17s in adult teams for Five Ways Old Edwardians rugby club
It is not the policy of Five Ways that we will actively seek to play 17 year olds in our senior teams as we seek to support the development of players in the most effective way. However, in certain circumstances we may look at exceptions on a case by case basis according to the following set of steps:
- In the first instance, the player, at the age of 17 or over, must express a desire to us to play adult rugby without the influence of adult coaches or players. This is to ensure that the player wants to do so of their own will and not under duress by any other member of the club. At this point, the head coach of the relevant section will have conversations with the player to assess their reasons for wanting to do so as well as to gauge their level of maturity.
- Once they have accepted that the player possesses the expected level of maturity for their age to be considered for adult rugby, the coach of the section shall seek advice from the player’s junior coaches – either internally or externally to the club – as to the players level of ability, what their development needs are and to see if they possess the required skill level and physical ability to make the transition. Where possible the coach shall take the opportunity to assess the player for themselves in an age group fixture.
- The player will be invited to attend senior training sessions where they will be allowed to participate on a strict, non-contact basis. This is to enable them to be observed interacting with senior players and gives the coaches further opportunity to assess skillsets and maturity levels. It also gives the player the chance to start to build relationships and friendships within the squad. It will be ensured that the player is individually introduced to, as a minimum, all coaches, captains and vice captains and, where possible, assigned a mentor of a senior player of a similar position. The mentor is to be suitably selected and briefed by the coaching team and should have a relevant DBS check.
- Once the player has been assessed as possessing the right level of skill to play within the adult team and the competitions within which they participate then a playing adult rugby form shall be completed and sent to the CB for approval. Copies of the form will be kept and help by the coaches, the player and the safeguarding officer along with this document.
- After all relevant forms are approved by the RFU/CB, the player will be expected to take part in senior training with contact elements included so that the coaches can conduct further assessments.
- Before playing a match, the coaching team will discuss with the player their position, game play and expectations of them both on and off the field. Playing time shall be limited over the first few games to help the player build up to the level required and to playing 80 minute matches.
- The player will be provided for both training and matches with separate changing and showering facilities at our home ground and the option to use facilities first at away games where separate facilities are not available. It is up to the player if they choose to use these facilities and no pressure will be exerted either way. The referee and first aid team will be informed of a 17 year old participating in the match before each game. This will be the responsibility of the coaching staff to ensure this happens.
- During and after each game the coaches will assess the performance of the player and will feedback to them encouraging them to also reflect on their own performance. The discussions are to ensure that the player continues to develop their abilities and to progress within the game but also to ensure that the player remains safe at all times both physically and mentally.
- The player will be encouraged to continue playing age grade rugby if available for both training and matches and will not be selected for adult teams should they have the opportunity to play a junior game unless it is agreed with the player, parents, safeguarding officer and coaches of both teams that the adult match represents a greater development opportunity for the player. The player will play no more than 1 game of rugby for any team within a 1 week period.
- The club safeguarding officer(s) will oversee this process and will have regular updates with the player making their contact details available to both the player and their parents so that any concerns can be raised quickly should they arise.
Signed for Senior Section ;
Men’s Coaches – Melfyn James, Chris Sims, David Morgan
Men’s Captains – Josh Gainey, Andy Shep
Ladies Head Coach – Alex Nock
Ladies Captain – Zara Juffkins
Ladies Coaches – Dave Potter
Signed for Junior Section ;
U17/Colts coaches – Rob Clulee, Mandy Thomas-Lucas
M&J Chair – Kat Baldwin
Safeguarding officers – Kat Baldwin, Emma Fuller
Signed for Club Chairman – Alex Nock
Date 23/09/2019
Distribution to parents/players of all eligible U17 /colts players
